Operator Decision Making in the Minerals Industry

Abstract

Abstract:The minerals industry is a complex work domain where people, procedures and equipments need to interact safely and efficiently. Given the importance of the human element in this industry, it is surprising that, to date, comparatively few studies have been published that specifically examine operator decision making. This paper presents two ongoing case studies from different sectors of mining and minerals processing that are drawing heavily on 'Naturalistic Decision Making' (NDM) approaches and methods. The case studies involve analyzing incidents using the Critical Decision Method and how Naturalistic Decision Making methods and design processes can help improve interfaces in process control. Following this, the paper will discuss this work and comment on the worth of the overall NDM approach to the minerals industry. Some of the lessons learnt will be highlighted and potential future research recommended.

Human factors methods to design safer mobile mining equipment

“…This is principally because they better reflect actual decision making in organisations especially at the level of front line operators (Gore, Banks et al, 2006;Horberry, Cooke et al, 2011). These critics of rationalistic models have commonly turned to CTA methods that use descriptive research where the ideal pattern of decision making is not described.…”

“…These critics of rationalistic models have commonly turned to CTA methods that use descriptive research where the ideal pattern of decision making is not described. Interventions based on this evidence are termed empirically based prescriptions (Lipshitz & Cohen, 2005 (Horberry, Cooke et al, 2011). In addition, though it is now accepted that most decisions in organisations are naturalistic, there are still decisions that are better described by rationalistic processes (Lipshitz, Klein et al, 2006).…”

“…In this process CTA is used to elicit how key decisions are made, and representing these for use consideration during design (Horberry, Cooke et al, 2011). In this respect it has been described as an adjunct version of user-centred design, where the focus is specifically on the decisions of users (Hoffman, Feltovich et al, 2002).…”

“…The application of this tool at sites, largely lead by the author of this thesis, resulted in the ability to identify issues and generate solutions for issues related to ! 153 access and egress of mobile equipment (Cooke & Horberry, 2011;Cooke & Horberry, 2010). Mobile equipment manufacturers considered the tool as beneficial to positively addressed their current development blind-spots, especially if it involved being able to see the tasks being actually performed …”

“…As mobile mining equipment such as haul trucks are frequently involved in incidents then this may be a priority vehicle type to focus on. One possible approach is the greater use of the 'OMAT' technique (a task-based, risk assessment and design tool) (Cooke and Horberry, 2011). Additionally it would be beneficial to discover what tools manufacturers actually use when designing equipment, and what additional user-centred design assistance they would they like.…”